Front end harshness after lowering spring install

[Crazych66]

2012 SS vert with Hotchkis 1" drop springs and new FE4 struts/shocks all the way around and currently stock wheels/tires. Had the bushings timed and alignment done.

Just wondering if this is normal. The car is buttery smooth on most good roads, handles great, and rides even better than the stock suspension with FE2 struts/shocks. However, when I go over rough roads, it turns into a different car. I feel fairly significant harshness (to me) from the front suspension. I've driven lowered cars before, albeit an Acura TL and Lexus IS, but have never experienced that level of harshness.

Is this normal for a lowered Camaro? It almost feels like the struts are gonna pop out of the top mounts!

[1JEWLDSSRS]

I am lowered 1.25 for the past 9 years on Pfadt springs and stock struts and shocks. The front is very tight and smooth MOST of the time, and can get kinda harsh depending on the roadway. Also sometimes it depends on which springs you run as to how bad they ride, I had Eibach's on my Mustang and absolutely hated them.

[Crazych66]

Originally Posted by 1JEWLDSSRS

I am lowered 1.25 for the past 9 years on Pfadt springs and stock struts and shocks. The front is very tight and smooth MOST of the time, and can get kinda harsh depending on the roadway. Also sometimes it depends on which springs you run as to how bad they ride, I had Eibach's on my Mustang and absolutely hated them.

Thanks. The car rides fine most of the time like you said. Its just when I "find" rough spots that the harshness catches me by surprise. My iPhone and mount definitely don't like it!

[SS 310H55A]

I just installed pfadt springs and bilsteins shocks. It can get rough over rough roads but the suspension travel has been shortened, it’s to be expected on any lowered car. The harshness I get is completely tolerable though and nothing I would think of us extremely harsh. On regular roads the ride feels as smooth as stock. Of course we could have different interpretations of harshness but maybe look into a set of bilsteins to go with those drop springs. Stock shocks and struts won’t last very long with lowering springs.

[Crazych66]

Originally Posted by SS 310H55A

I just installed pfadt springs and bilsteins shocks. It can get rough over rough roads but the suspension travel has been shortened, it’s to be expected on any lowered car. The harshness I get is completely tolerable though and nothing I would think of us extremely harsh. On regular roads the ride feels as smooth as stock. Of course we could have different interpretations of harshness but maybe look into a set of bilsteins to go with those drop springs. Stock shocks and struts won’t last very long with lowering springs.

Yeah harshness is subjective. That’s why I provided the caveat on my experience with lowered vehicles! Sounds like what I’m experiencing is normal. I’m not worried about strut/shock wear because I don’t drive the car that much. If I make it to 1500 miles this year it will be a minor miracle.

[1JEWLDSSRS]

Originally Posted by SS 310H55A

I just installed pfadt springs and bilsteins shocks. It can get rough over rough roads but the suspension travel has been shortened, it’s to be expected on any lowered car. The harshness I get is completely tolerable though and nothing I would think of us extremely harsh. On regular roads the ride feels as smooth as stock. Of course we could have different interpretations of harshness but maybe look into a set of bilsteins to go with those drop springs. Stock shocks and struts won’t last very long with lowering springs.

My stock struts and shocks lasted 7 years on a daily driver before I had to replace them, while being lowered.. Replaced them at 82k miles.

[1JEWLDSSRS]

Originally Posted by Crazych66

Yeah harshness is subjective. That’s why I provided the caveat on my experience with lowered vehicles! Sounds like what I’m experiencing is normal. I’m not worried about strut/shock wear because I don’t drive the car that much. If I make it to 1500 miles this year it will be a minor miracle.

Enjoy that baby, looks nice!!

[SS 310H55A]

Originally Posted by 1JEWLDSSRS

My stock struts and shocks lasted 7 years on a daily driver before I had to replace them, while being lowered.. Replaced them at 82k miles.

Dis they actually last 7 years or did you just get used to the way it felt? I don’t think stock GM quality shocks and struts last that long even on non lowered cars lol.

[Crazych66]

Originally Posted by 1JEWLDSSRS

Enjoy that baby, looks nice!!

Thanks!

[JimE]

Originally Posted by SS 310H55A

Dis they actually last 7 years or did you just get used to the way it felt? I don’t think stock GM quality shocks and struts last that long even on non lowered cars lol.

Mileage, not time, in most cases.

Mine is 8 years old now.

[1JEWLDSSRS]

Originally Posted by SS 310H55A

Dis they actually last 7 years or did you just get used to the way it felt? I don’t think stock GM quality shocks and struts last that long even on non lowered cars lol.

Yes they did. The reason I had to replace them after 7 years IS due to them starting to feel "weird" and not like they used to. So yea.

[Crazych66]

Just an update. Put on new wheels and tires (275/40s up front) and most of the rough road harshness has been cut by 50%. My guess is that the Pirellis were well worn and provided very little cushion/shock absorption.